‘Every dog deserves a home’ - Plea to house abandoned pooches as Birmingham Dogs Home sees drop in adoptees

Birmingham’s cherished dogs’ home has seen an unprecedented rise in canines dumped on city streets. This year, an average of 43 dogs are being left abandoned every week across the region with 1,922 pooches taken in by the West Midlands charity between January and November – a rise compared to 1,298 for the same period in 2022.

In the run up to Christmas, a renewed plea has been issued to rehome and adopt a dog with donations also welcome to help feed the dogs over the festive period. According to Birmingham Dogs Home, the number of people enquiring to rehome a dog has significantly dropped, meaning many of the dogs are being looked after by the charity for much longer than normal.

One homeless dog needing support is Shimmer, a young Cane Corso. Shimmer was abandoned in Solihull and was taken to a local veterinary clinic by the kind people who found her. On arrival at the charity, Shimmer was initially anxious but has since bonded with her carers and is showing a fun, loving personality.

Another pup wishing for a loving new home is Lacey (pictured). She had a deformity to her paw and, to save her a lifetime of pain, her leg was amputated.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising at Birmingham Dogs Home, said “We believe that every dog deserves a home to call their own, especially at Christmas. In the meantime, our home is theirs, and with support from the local community we can continue to care for them for as as long as they need us.”

The charity has launched its Christmas wishes to fill dishes appeal to help care for – and feed – the hundreds of homeless dogs residing at its two locations in Catherine-de-Barnes near Solihull and Coven, north of Wolverhampton.

According to Birmingham City Council, anyone who finds a stray dog has a legal obligation to hand the dog to either its owner or the relevant local authority. “Your safety is most important,” a statement reads. “Do not attempt to restrain or handle a dog that is showing signs of aggression. “Most dogs are microchipped and many wear a collar and tag. If there are no details on the collar, take the dog to any vet to check for a microchip. This should be done free of charge.”

Birmingham Dogs Home helps to rescue, reunite and rehome all the stray and abandoned dogs across the West Midlands and South Staffordshire area. Established in 1892, the charity receives no government funding and solely relies on the generosity of its supporters To find out more visit: Birmingham Dogs Home